ToFEI application launched to strengthen tobacco-free educational institutions
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry launched the pilot ToFEI application on World No Tobacco Day 2026 to strengthen tobacco-free educational institutions across the country. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava unveiled the digital platform at a national event held under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in New Delhi.
The ministry also released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tobacco product sample collection. The SOP aims to improve surveillance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
The ToFEI application will help schools and colleges implement tobacco-free norms more effectively. It will support self-assessment, reporting and compliance monitoring. In addition, the platform will help institutions implement mandatory tobacco control signage.
The application will also support enforcement of the ban on tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions. Furthermore, it will encourage awareness activities for students and teachers. The digital platform will help officials track compliance through standardised monitoring and reporting systems.
The ministry will begin pilot implementation in Rajasthan, Meghalaya and Maharashtra. Officials will assess operational feasibility during this phase. They will also gather feedback to strengthen the platform before a nationwide rollout.
ToFEI application supports stronger tobacco control measures
Speaking at the event, Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the World No Tobacco Day 2026 theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” She said tobacco and nicotine products often target young people through attractive packaging, flavours and digital promotion.
Moreover, she warned that such marketing strategies create misleading perceptions among youth. Therefore, she stressed the need for greater awareness and preventive education.
Referring to the SOP, the Health Secretary said strong enforcement remains a key pillar of tobacco control. She noted that scientific sample collection and proper testing procedures help authorities take effective regulatory action. As a result, the SOP will improve consistency in collection, storage, transportation and documentation of tobacco samples.
Additionally, she highlighted the government’s efforts to support tobacco cessation. More than 2,000 Tobacco Cessation Centres now operate across district hospitals, medical colleges, AYUSH institutions and other healthcare facilities.
The Health Secretary also noted that tobacco use contributes to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and chronic respiratory illnesses. Therefore, she urged stakeholders to remain united in protecting future generations from tobacco and nicotine addiction.
During the programme, participants took a No Tobacco Pledge to support a healthier India. Meanwhile, school students performed a Nukkad Natak to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Senior officials, healthcare professionals, technical experts and civil society organisations attended the event. The ministry said the initiative would strengthen tobacco control efforts and promote healthier environments for children and adolescents.
